Broadway star Carrie Manolakos has a new EP out, and behind it is a faith story she says she didn't expect to be telling.
Manolakos, known for starring in "Mamma Mia," playing Elphaba in the national tour of "Wicked," and a viral cover of Radiohead's "Creep," released "Oh Beautiful" as America approaches its 250th birthday. The project blends patriotism, personal reflection, and - unexpectedly for longtime fans - a return to faith.
"The story of coming back to my faith is very much intertwined with all of this," Manolakos said in a recent interview with CCM Magazine. "That was very unexpected as well."
She credits God directly with helping her through some of the hardest seasons of her life. "I'm so thankful that God gave me strength. He gave me endurance. He's given me courage. He is guiding me every step of the way, even when it's the scariest thing," she said.
The EP includes performances of "America the Beautiful" and "All Eyes on Us," which Manolakos says were created to honor the nation's milestone while offering a vulnerable look at her own journey. "It goes deeply into faith, into hope, into possibility, into reverence for the country, into opening up conversations," she said.
Manolakos says she hopes the project encourages listeners toward hope rather than division. "We always have an opportunity to begin again," she said. "We always have an opportunity to have hope for the future."
"Oh Beautiful" is available now on all streaming platforms.
